Women, Feminism and Islam

How often do you hear the words “Islam” and “feminism” together? Perhaps a better question is – how often should you hear those two words together?

Stereotypes and perspectives about Islam sometimes include the notion of the “Poor Muslim Woman” and do not acknowledge any developments in feminism or political activism. In this session, the common notion of the oppression of Islamic women and the movement of Islamic feminism as well as a general discussion of gender and women’s rights will help participants further their understanding of Islam and feminism.

This event, which was made possible through a grant from The New Jersey Council for the Humanities, is free and open to the public.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Sylvia Chan-Malik, Ph.D.

Associate Professor in the Departments of American and Women’s and Gender Studies at Rutgers University

Chan-Malik's research focuses on the history of Islam in the United States and, more broadly, on the intersections of race, gender and religion in American public life. Her book, Being Muslim: A Cultural History of Women of Color and American Islam (NYU Press) offers an alternative narrative of American Islam in the 20-21st century that centers the lives, subjectivities and voices of women of color.